Does Obama Think We're Stupid?

On April 30, the headlines suggested that Barack Obama was going to do something about Guantanamo.

Sheesh, someone should close that place. Those guys could die or something!

His exact words were:

“It’s not sustainable . . . . The notion that we’re going to keep 100 individuals in no man’s land in perpetuity [makes no sense] . . . . . All of us should reflect on why exactly are we doing this? Why are we doing this?”

Does Obama think we're stupid? Does he think we don't remember that he gave us that line already, a long time ago? Does he think we still have any illusions that he really cares about justice, or intends to deliver on the promises he lets drop?

A crisis is unfolding in Guantanamo Bay, and it is shining an even harsher light than ever on the total inability of the government we currently have to stop a travesty and take a turn toward justice. (And, not incidentally, it the glare of that light is especially harsh as it shines on the inability of all of us in the peace and justice to stop a travesty and take a turn toward justice.)

This is why we need alternatives to "business as usual."


Related posts

Even if the current Obama administration approach of releases were to succeed in bringing about the release of everyone at Guantanamo, it would not have begun to address the wrong that has been committed.

(See US to its Humans Rights Violations Victims: "Shut up and take what you're given!" )







What he wished he could have said: "And you know what's even sadder? Congress won't work with me! So if we learn one thing from the Guantanamo hunger strikers, it's that Congress should do a better job of working with me!"

(See Obama's speech on al Qaeda, drones, Guantanamo Bay: You heard it here first! )





In Hong Kong, people are starting to say: "No more con games!"

(See HK: No More Con Games )